Marie-Astrid Mence

The French ballerina danced with Ballet Black and was a sensation in last year’s startling new version of Oklahoma! As the show arrives in London’s West End, she shares her advice on trusting your instincts and staying inspired.

Dance Gazette | Advice Bureau | Issue 6 - Feb 2023

The best advice I ever received One of the best pieces of advice I received was to focus on the process and not on the result. I know this is classic, perhaps a cliché, but it’s actually very good not to be obsessed by being successful; by being seen. This allowed me to focus on my training, to focus on what’s lacking, and to keep evolving and push myself outside my zone. I went further with my artistic career. 

Another piece of incredible advice I received was to trust my gut and instincts. People want to be normalised: maybe that is changing slowly, but at the time I was obsessed with being accepted and I’m very happy that I listened to my unique voice and understood that the way I move is my own. I think artists need to find the flow, find their way – and I think that the more different you are, the better you are seen in any room.

The advice I would pass on The advice I will give to the next generation is to stay curious and stay inspired by going to museums, theatres and movies. I think it’s the best way to refresh our vision about what’s already happening in the industry. There are a lot of things that repeat themselves, but I think there are many stories to be told and many stories to be believed. Go outside of your zone and discover what has not been touched yet.

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Marie-Astrid Mence in a teaser for Oklahoma!

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